A remote corner of the state is the nation’s fastest-growing metro area, but concerns about water supplies across the Southwest signal an uncertain future.

The region around St. George, Utah was the fastest-growing metro area in the nation for two years running, reports Bill Weir for CNN. But with Southwestern reservoirs, mainly supplied by the Colorado River, at historic lows, local officials warn that the future of the region is in peril.
Can a heavily conservative, regulation-averse county support strict water conservation measures? So far, general manager of the Washington County Water Conservancy District Zach Renstrom “has managed to help pass some of the strictest water laws in the West,” Weir writes. “In a bright-red county in a state allergic to regulations, there is a ban on growing grass outside new businesses,” and a home’s landscaping can consist of just 8 percent grass lawn.
Matt Rice, Southwest Region Director of the nonprofit American Rivers, told CNN that officials should focus their efforts on conservation rather than finding new sources of water, such as a proposed pipeline that would supply Utah from Lake Powell, which is at its lowest water level in history.
More on the Colorado River water crisis:
FULL STORY: The fastest growing metro in the US is looking to a shrinking reservoir to keep the boom going

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.

Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.

Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont